Regional bosses have issued a heartfelt apology to supporters for the anxiety caused by Welsh rugby's civil war.

Speaking publicly for the first time since the signing of the peace deal with the WRU, Regional Rugby Wales chiefs declared they were comfortable with the agreement.

But they acknowledged it had been an at times tortuous process over the past year and a dispute which had not been good for Welsh rugby.

Asked if he had a message for fans who had become disillusioned by the whole protracted saga, acting RRW chief executive Mark Davies said: "The first thing we all need to do is apologise to them for the anxiety they've experienced.

The Scarlets chief executive continued: "We have start of the season next week. We have four squads that all seem to be in a good place mentally and physically. We are all really excited about the start of the new season.

"We have got a league that is stronger because there is more jeopardy in it, so every game has a meaning, and there are two strong European competitions.

"Putting aside all the pain, we have got a better structure going forward for more exciting rugby with very committed squads and a platform we all have a duty to make work.

"So let's do that and enjoy the rugby, starting next weekend."

Under the new Rugby Services Agreement with the WRU, the regions will see their annual funding from the governing body rise effectively rise from £6.7m to £8.7m via the introduction of a system of dual contracts.

With this new financial arrangement in place, they will consider increasing their wage cap from the current self-imposed level of £3.5m each.

"The combination of what we've achieved, particularly through the Euro competitions, plus this agreement, means that, for the first time in a long time, there’s not such a cash stress within the regional businesses," said Davies.

"The first thing we need to do is put that back on an even keel. At that point it gives us all the ability to carefully invest in our squad and backroom platform. We have to be responsible and careful.

"We will be able to invest more in the squads going forward and we will review how we best do that between us."

Given his thoughts on the dispute with the WRU, Blues chief executive Richard Holland added: "It's been a difficult process and it's been well documented in the media that it's been damaging to Welsh rugby.

"It's now the duty of the regions and the WRU to try and look forward.

"It's easy to dwell on where we've come from but we now have to look forward.

"The regions are certainly committed to doing that.

"I'm excited about the future and we've now got certainty as a business for the next six years.

"It's been difficult for everyone who earn a living from professional rugby.

"Now we've found a solution and we've got to look forward and we’re committed to doing that."

Dragons chief executive Gareth Davies added: "Regional rugby is now truly established and will go from strength to strength. That's been a positive outcome from us having to stick together."

Reflecting on the length of time it has taken to reach a deal, Mark Davies said: "Fundamentally I don't believe there is anything really in there that wasn't a clear proposition at latest last October."

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